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Baohua Park is a scenic park that offers a peaceful environment and natural beauty, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature. Recommended activities include:
Overlooking the towering Yinshan Mountains from downtown Gejiu, one can see a dense, vast forest perched atop the mountain: Gejiu's Baohua Park. Baohua Park boasts a rich vegetation system, abundant evergreen pines and cypresses, the chirping of birds, and a refreshing air. Its forest coverage rate exceeds 90%. After nearly 50 years of development, Baohua Park has become a comprehensive park integrating animal exhibits, flower viewing, recreational activities, scientific exploration, and a harmonious blend of natural and cultural attractions.
Baohua Park is a rare urban forest park in my country. Just outside the bustling city, step inside and you'll find yourself in a world of lush greenery, a world separated by a single step. In 1955, the Gejiu Municipal People's Government, seeking to provide a haven for year-round miners, chose the bountiful Baohua Mountain and built the 126-hectare Baohua Park.
Gejiu Baohua Park maintains its natural beauty, remaining largely untouched by artificial intervention. All facilities are carefully constructed to take advantage of the natural landscape, nestling against the hillside. The scenic spots appear quaint, natural, and harmonious. Within the park, where flowers bloom year-round, an ancient green-calyx plum tree, planted in 1670, remains vibrant despite its withered roots. Each spring, its vibrant green plum blossoms burst forth, dazzling and showcasing its vibrant vitality.
Located in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, it is spring-like all year round with plenty of sunshine, no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
In the dense forest environment of Baohua Park, corridors, pavilions, flower fairy sculptures, pine and cypress gardens, teahouses, bars, and playgrounds run through the north and south in sequence. Amidst the green, the elegant "Youyuan" is home to a collection of famous flowers. Flowers bloom in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. "Youyuan" is known as a garden within a garden for its collection of exquisite gardens. Among the brilliant flowers, seven of Yunnan's eight famous flowers are hidden here, namely: camellia, meconopsis, orchid, azalea, lily, gentian, and primrose.
Climbing the stairs from the "Youyuan" garden leads to the park's "Airport." While this is a children's world, adults can also find a sense of childlike innocence in the children's happy smiles. The "Airport" also serves as Baohua Park's observation deck, offering the perfect spot for photos with the entire city of Gejiu as your backdrop. Beside the refreshing flowers, overlooking the lakeside and mountainous scenery of Gejiu, along with the city walls and skyscrapers, is a truly delightful sight.
The wild animals raised and exhibited in Baohua Park are well-known far and wide. At present, there are more than 300 wild animals of more than 40 species in the park, including more than a dozen national rare animals such as gibbons, Asian elephants, Malayan sun bears, bears, bear monkeys, slow lorises, green peacocks, and white pheasants, and there are also many other types of wild protected animals.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
Free admission
Animal exhibition area 12 yuan/person
08:00-18:00
Baohua Park is a popular public park located in Red River, Yunnan, known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural significance. The park is home to a Buddhist temple and has long been a place of retreat for those seeking tranquility and spiritual reflection. It holds cultural and historical importance in the region, with ties to local religious practices and traditions.
Baohua Park is located in the Red River region of Yunnan, easily accessible by taxi or private car from nearby cities like Gejiu. There are no metro services, but local buses may provide access. Walking within the park itself is the best way to explore its natural beauty.
The park is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the park is less crowded. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
The entrance fee for Baohua Park is approximately 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance; currently, there is no option for online booking.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary. You can purchase tickets on-site when you arrive. However, visiting during peak hours or holidays may require a longer wait at the entrance.
To fully explore Baohua Park, including the walking paths, lakes, and temple, you will need about 2 to 3 hours. If you're interested in photography or leisurely exploring, you might want to spend additional time in the park.
The must-see highlights include the Buddhist temple, the peaceful lakes, and the lush gardens with walking paths. The temple provides a cultural and spiritual atmosphere, while the lakes offer beautiful views and a relaxing ambiance.
Guided tours may be available, but they are typically in Chinese. Audio guides are not commonly offered. If you are not fluent in Chinese, it is recommended to visit with a local guide who can offer translations and insights into the park’s cultural significance.
The best viewpoints are near the lakes, where you can capture reflections of the surrounding trees and buildings. The Buddhist temple also provides a great photo opportunity with its traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings. Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photography.
Start by exploring the main entrance and walking along the garden paths, then make your way to the Buddhist temple. Spend some time by the lakes, enjoying the serene atmosphere. If you have time, you can explore some of the smaller paths in the park for more secluded spots.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Baohua Park. The park is best experienced during daylight hours when the natural beauty is most visible. Special tours are available during the day, depending on the season.
The park can get crowded during weekends and holidays. Weekdays, particularly in the early morning, are the least crowded times to visit. Visiting in the off-season or during non-holiday periods ensures a more peaceful experience.
The park has basic facilities, including toilets, rest areas, and small shops offering snacks and refreshments. Water stations may be available, but it’s advisable to bring your own water, especially during hot weather.
Baohua Park is mostly accessible to elderly visitors and children, but some parts of the park may have uneven paths or stairs, especially near the temple and lakes. Visitors with mobility issues may face some challenges, but there are relatively flat areas in the park for easier access.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. It's a good idea to have both options available just in case.
There are no large restaurants inside Baohua Park, but nearby towns offer a variety of local eateries. Traditional Yunnan dishes like "crossing-the-bridge noodles" can be found in the surrounding area.
Some nearby restaurants may offer vegetarian or vegan dishes, but halal food options may be limited. It's best to check in advance if you have specific dietary needs.
There are a few guesthouses and mid-range hotels in nearby towns like Gejiu. These offer comfortable accommodations and are just a short drive away from the park.
Nearby attractions include the Red River Valley, known for its terraced fields and ethnic culture, as well as Gejiu City, which has rich historical sites. These attractions are ideal for combining into a day trip with Baohua Park.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops selling local crafts, including traditional textiles and handmade goods. You can also find small artifacts related to the local culture.
After visiting Baohua Park, taxis and buses are the best options for continuing your journey. If you're heading to another city, Gejiu serves as a transport hub with bus connections to other regions in Yunnan.
